Lowe’s announced today it plans to hire approximately 45,000 seasonal employees at its stores in the United States during spring – the busiest time of year in the home improvement industry. The company will also add 9,000 permanent part-time employees.

Seasonal jobs available are focused on customer support and include cashiers, lawn and garden specialists, loaders, and stockers. The number of hours worked per week will vary based on the needs of individual stores, but, on average, seasonal employees could work an estimated 20-25 hours per week.

The length of the seasonal employment will vary; however, seasonal employees are most needed in spring and summer months, typically from February until September, when weather has improved and customers are tackling both indoor and outdoor home improvement projects. The company plans to hire and train new seasonal employees first in areas where the climate has begun to warm, and continue on a market-by-market basis by climate and geography.

The permanent part-time positions include store associates focused on direct interaction and expertise for customers. Employees in the permanent positions will be scheduled to work during peak weekday shopping times.

“We are focused on providing customers with outstanding service,” said Scott Purvis, vice president, human resources, operations. “We are looking for candidates who are experienced in any of the home improvement trades, and, most importantly, those who are committed to providing Lowe’s customers an exceptional service experience.”

With fiscal year 2011 sales of $50.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE ® 100 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,745 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.